PDL Non-Credit Educator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 13,913 - 16,665; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Non-credit Short Course Instructor to deliver engaging online courses in areas such as Business Analysis and Leadership Essentials. This part-time position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of relevant experience. Instructors will utilize Zoom for delivery and must create interactive course materials aligned with educational guidelines. Compensation starts at $1,370 per 6-hour course segment, with flexible scheduling available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of expertise in relevant subjects.
• Proven ability to engage adult learners in various teaching formats.
• Experience in developing curriculum that meets educational standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update course materials based on feedback.
• Facilitate online courses using Zoom, ensuring engagement.
• Complete required training if teaching over 40 hours per year.

Skills

Subject-matter expertise

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Experience teaching adult learners

Ability to work with diverse populations

Ability to provide constructive feedback

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

About the Job

The Non‑credit Short Course Instructor is a temporary (per course), part‑time, non‑tenured position for our Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Programs. Compensation is paid on a per course basis.

The instructor will teach and be the subject‑matter expert on one or more of the following subjects:

• Business Analysis
• Business Process Improvement
• Business Writing
• Communications
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Human Resource Generalist
• Leadership Essentials
• Organization Development
• Project Management
• Professional Train the Trainer
• Supervision

The courses are fully online and taught via synchronous instruction utilizing Zoom. Courses are 6 to 12 hours in total length, delivered half‑days over two to three consecutive days.

Exact dates and times are assigned by the University, but with flexibility provided for the instructor’s schedule.

Instructors are responsible for using their own curriculum that meets course outcomes, descriptions, and guidelines provided by the University of Minnesota. They must create engaging courses that use the best practices of adult education and online learning, including connecting new information with learners’ prior knowledge, active engagement through real‑world activities, iterative application with rich feedback, and assessments that simulate real‑world application.

Primary Responsibilities

Course Prep 35%

1. Maintain existing curriculum and course materials in line with course descriptions, learner outcomes, and guidelines provided by CCAPS.
2. Meet development due dates and submit curriculum and materials as requested for review by CCAPS staff.
3. Review course evaluation feedback from learners, discuss with CCAPS staff as needed, and improve curriculum and instruction based on that feedback.
4. Update materials based on current events and best practice in the course topic area, with consideration of guidance and feedback from CCAPS staff and learners.

Live Instruction 60%

1. Prepare for video‑based conference platform (e.g. Zoom) courses by organizing and reviewing all instructional materials in advance (e.g. slide decks, videos, resource links) and by designing interactive components appropriate for virtual delivery (e.g. breakout rooms, polls, engagement activities) to ensure an effective and engaging online learning environment.
2. Arrive early to test technology and check‑in with CCAPS staff before courses.
3. Facilitate courses in Zoom as scheduled by the department and following the expectations in the instructor handbook.

Administrative 5%

1. Complete required training if teaching more than 40 hours during the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of professional experience related to the subject matter.
• Demonstrated expertise in the content of the course(s) they will be teaching.
• Experience teaching adult learners in synchronous virtual and in‑person contexts.
• Experience working with diverse populations and commitment to delivering content that is inclusive, interactive, accessible, and equity‑driven.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to explain concepts in ways that help others learn.
• Demonstrated ability to provide feedback that both encourages and helps learners develop knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.

Preferred

• Master’s degree and at least 6 years of professional experience related to the subject matter.
• Experience teaching similar courses as non‑credit professional development courses.

About the Department

In CCAPS you’ll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner‑centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced.

CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre‑college programs for high‑school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Starting pay is $1,370 per 6‑hour course section.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Please address all required qualifications in either your cover letter or CV/Resume in order to be fully considered for the position.

This position will remain open until all positions are filled for the year.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your My Job Applications page and uploading documents in the My Cover Letters and Attachments section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call (612) 624‑8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).